History

Newark Academy first adopted a seal in 1802, featuring a book inscribed with the words of the school’s founder Alexander Macwhorter.

Girls return to Newark Academy, and a dedicated wing is added.

Marquis de Lafayette, the famous Frenchman who fought for the United States Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, visited Newark Academy during the course of his travels.

The first modern Newark Academy Catalog was published in 1857, providing a detailed four-year curriculum with courses in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, bookkeeping, “Mental and Moral Sciences,” rhetoric, ancient and modern languages, art, music, and gymnastics and calisthenics (strength training).

Morning Meeting at Newark Academy is a community tradition that likely dates back to the Farrand era. These meetings initially began as chapel services and included a Bible reading, hymn and prayer. These chapel services continued during the move to Livingston despite a large Jewish student population — the auditorium even had a recessed pit for the organ. Within five years of the move to Livingston, Morning Meeting became completely secularized, transitioning into the gatherings we partake in today which celebrate student achievements and cultivate a close-knit school community.

Newark Academy introduced extra-curricular athletics in 1883. However, the first team for which we have solid evidence of its existence was the football team in 1885.

Headmaster Samuel Farrand dies at the age of 78 and is succeeded by his son, Wilson Farrand.

The Polymnian is first published as an independent yearbook.

Wilson Farrand retires as Headmaster, closing out a combined 66 years of leadership by the Farrands.

The Newark Academy "Minute Man" mascot is created by Dean H. Upgrove of the Class of 1916. 

Students begin a newspaper, The Newark Academy News, later renamed The Minute Man.

Newark Academy dedicates the football and track field in memory of Medal of Honor recipient Samuel S. Coursen ’45, who was killed during the Korean War.

Newark Academy returns to its coeducational roots following a unanimous vote by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees to admit girls.

Trustees, administrators and faculty hold a leadership conference to discuss the future of NA. The conference’s conclusion is that Newark Academy needs to be innovative to prepare students for their entire futures, not just college.

The new Richard C. Hawkes Memorial Library (officially dedicated in 1982) is completed.

Newark Academy becomes the first school in New Jersey to offer the International Baccalaureate diploma as part of the curriculum.

The 20,000-square-foot Elizabeth B. McGraw Arts Center opens with new instrumental and choral facilities, classrooms and studios for ceramics, drawing, printmaking, painting and photography. It is also home to the Lautenberg “Black Box” Theater for acting students and the David Teiger ’47 Gallery for Studio Arts at the center of the wing, to showcase student art and the works of artists-in-residence.

Elizabeth “Penney” Riegelman is named the first female Head of School.

The Simon Family Field House is completed, adding 57,000 square feet to the school, featuring a gymnasium, six–lane pool, fitness center, locker rooms, athletics offices and storage space.

Newark Academy changes its daily schedule from eight 41-minute periods to six 55-minute periods to prioritize depth of inquiry.

The Carol Heaney Nature Trail opens with two outdoor classrooms, an astronomy lookout and a pond for aquatic biology and chemistry studies.

Donald M. Austin is named the Academy’s 49th Head of School.

Newark Academy launches the Global Speaker Series, bringing distinguished individuals from around the world to enrich students’ understanding and broaden their intellectual horizons. One of the first speakers in the series was Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor: Africa.

NA institutes the Immersion Experience requirement and kicks off the program with an inaugural trip to Madrid, Spain.

June Term and Capstone Experiences are implemented during the final two weeks of school, replacing spring exams.

The Catherine and Frank Petrello Upper School Academic Center is completed, including the addition of Kaltenbacher Hall, an octagonal lecture hall.

Renovation and dedication of Kacur Field is completed.

The Coraci Performance Hall is completed.

Tom Ashburn is named the Academy’s 50th Head of School.